Gag Order For Whose Protection?

February 08, 2014|Letter to the editor

Confidentiality in court cases runs contrary to freedom of speech and the press and the rights of the accused. It exists in Juvenile Court solely for the purpose of achieving a greater good by protecting the vulnerable children and families that come to that court for justice.

When children and families do not need or want that protection, confidentiality protects only the Department of Children and Families and the Juvenile Court judge from public scrutiny.

Regarding the story "Family Vexed After Custody Hearing" [Feb. 5, Connecticut], it is difficult to imagine how a gag order could protect parents who want public scrutiny, or their already identified sick child who was taken from them against their will.

Patricia Cohen, BloomfieldThe writer is president of MOMS, The Fund for Mothers with Young Children.